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🇨🇾 Cyprus

Visa & Residency

Cyprus offers multiple routes for non-EU expats: the Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years, €3,500/mo income), Category F Permanent Residency (income-based, from abroad), and the Fast-Track Permanent Residency by Investment (€300,000 minimum). EU citizens register freely under EU freedom of movement rules.

€3,500/mo net

Digital Nomad Income

Main applicant; +20% spouse; +15% per child

1 yr + 2 yr renewal

DN Visa Duration

3 years maximum total; €140 total fee

1,000 permits

DN Permit Cap

Doubled from 500 in April 2025

5–7 weeks

Processing Time

In person at CRMD Nicosia; legal rep allowed

€9,568/yr

Category F Income

From abroad (pensions, dividends, rent); + €4,613/dependent

€300,000 min

Golden Visa Investment

Permanent residency; €50,000/yr income also required

Overview

Cyprus offers multiple routes for non-EU expats: the Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years, €3,500/mo income), Category F Permanent Residency (income-based, from abroad), and the Fast-Track Permanent Residency by Investment (€300,000 minimum). EU citizens register freely under EU freedom of movement rules. The Digital Nomad Visa capacity was doubled to 1,000 permits in April 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals only; must work remotely for employer(s) or client(s) based outside Cyprus
  • Registration is free; Yellow Slip typically issued on the day at the district office
  • Income requirement: €9,568/year minimum for the main applicant + €4,613/year per dependent — all from sources outside Cyprus
  • Minimum investment: €300,000 in one of four eligible categories (see below)
1

Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Worker Permit)

The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or clients. After a 2024 expansion, the scheme now accepts up to 1,000 permits. The permit lasts 1 year, renewable once for 2 more years (3 years maximum). During this period, you must spend at least 6 months and 1 day per calendar year in Cyprus, with no single absence exceeding 3 consecutive months.

  • Eligibility: Non-EU/EEA nationals only; must work remotely for employer(s) or client(s) based outside Cyprus
  • Income threshold: €3,500 net/month (main applicant); €4,200/month for applicant + spouse; €3,500 + €525/child
  • Application fee: €70 application fee + €70 for residence card = €140 total
  • Documents: Clean criminal record, valid passport (6+ months), proof of remote employment/contract and income, health insurance, rental agreement or property ownership in Cyprus, proof of €3,500/mo income (3–6 bank statements)
  • Submit in person at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia or via a legal representative
  • Processing: Typically 5–7 weeks; decision by post or email; then collect biometric residence card
  • After 183 days in Cyprus per calendar year: become Cyprus tax resident — eligible for Non-Dom status and/or the 50% income tax exemption (if earning >€55,000/yr)
  • Dependants (spouse, children): may reside in Cyprus but cannot work; children can attend school
  • After 3 years on the DN visa, you may apply for a longer-term residence permit or Category F if income requirements are met
2

EU Citizens — Certificate of Registration

EU and EEA nationals have the right to reside in Cyprus without a visa. After 3 months of residence, they must register and obtain a Certificate of Registration (commonly called the 'Yellow Slip') from the local District Administration Office or CRMD. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, EU citizens qualify for Permanent Residency (Article 16 EU status), which is indefinite.

  • Registration is free; Yellow Slip typically issued on the day at the district office
  • Required documents: valid EU passport/ID, proof of accommodation, proof of income or employment, health insurance (if not working)
  • 5-year permanent residency: apply with 5 years of registration history and proof of continuous residence
  • Cyprus is not yet in Schengen (targeting late 2026) — EU permanent residency does not grant Schengen free movement
  • Path to Cypriot citizenship: 7 years legal residence (reduced to 5 years if married to a Cypriot)
3

Category F — Standard Permanent Residency

Category F is a non-working permanent residency for non-EU nationals who can demonstrate sufficient overseas income (from pensions, dividends, rent, or fixed deposits) to support themselves without working in Cyprus. The permit is permanent and must be renewed every 10 years. Note: Category F is currently severely backlogged — the government was processing 2020 applications as of 2026.

  • Income requirement: €9,568/year minimum for the main applicant + €4,613/year per dependent — all from sources outside Cyprus
  • Bank deposit: €15,000–€20,000 in a Cypriot bank account (recommended; not always strictly enforced but expected)
  • Property: Owning property in Cyprus is strongly recommended; renters face higher scrutiny
  • Work restriction: Category F holders cannot be employed in Cyprus; they can hold company shares and receive dividends
  • Validity: Permanent; residence card renewed every 10 years; must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years
  • Does not grant Schengen travel rights
  • Current processing: Severely backlogged — expect 3–5+ year wait; consider legal assistance to expedite
4

Fast-Track Permanent Residency by Investment (Golden Visa)

The Cyprus Investment-Based Permanent Residency (Category 6(2)) provides permanent residency in approximately 6 months with a minimum investment of €300,000. This is popular with non-EU high-net-worth individuals seeking EU residency without the Category F backlog.

  • Minimum investment: €300,000 in one of four eligible categories (see below)
  • Income requirement: €50,000/year from abroad + €15,000/year for spouse + €10,000/year per child
  • Eligible investments: (1) New-build residential property from a developer; (2) Commercial real estate (primary or secondary market); (3) Shares in a Cyprus-registered company employing 5+ people in Cyprus; (4) Units in a Cyprus Investment Fund (AIF/AIFLNP) approved by CySEC
  • VAT on new residential property: reduced 5% rate (standard 19%) applies to first primary residence
  • Processing: ~6 months; permanent from day one (not temporary then permanent)
  • Visit requirement: At least once every 2 years to maintain status
  • Path to citizenship: Eligible to apply after 8 years of legal residence in Cyprus
  • Dependants: Spouse and minor children included in the application
FAQs

Common Questions — Visa & Residency in Cyprus

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